United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County is a public charity based in Lincoln, Nebraska, formed in 1945. It mobilizes community resources and distributes funding to nonprofit agencies addressing health and human services needs, with its Community Impact Fund investing in agencies operating in Lancaster County.
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County at a glance
In short: United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County gave $4.5M across 101 grants in 2025 (avg $44K), mostly in Nebraska. 2% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,451,146
- +1.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 101
- -1.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $44,071
- +2.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $21,440
- Total assets
- $11,273,018
- +1.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 2% first-time grantees (1 of 60, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County
- How to Apply
-
The 2026–2028 funding cycle is closed. Organizations interested in the 2028–2030 cycle must first be approved through an interview process.
- Contact
Mailing address: 6900 Van Dorn St Ste 24, Lincoln, NE 68506
Phone: (402) 441-7700
Website: https://unitedwaylincoln.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Cedars Youth Services ($653K across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $2.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
591 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 473 grants of 591 (80%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Community Impact Fund invests in nonprofit agencies operating in Lancaster County. All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in Nebraska.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 101 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County open to new grantees?
2%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 1 of 60 grantees (2%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $75K. How we count
Medians: $6K first-time, $39K repeat.
- 95% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−3%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $4.4M (2024) to $5.3M (2023). In 2025 it made 101 grants totaling $4.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Health Agencies Drive (Chad) Omaha, NE | Federation % of Dollars Raised | $494,360 |
| Cedars Youth Services Lincoln, NE | Community Collaboration - Community Response Initiative | $354,850 |
| Cedars Youth Services Lincoln, NE | Program Operating Cost | $255,600 |
| Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, NE | Community Collaboration | $222,210 |
| Give Nebraska Lincoln, NE | Donor Designated for General Support | $207,473 |
| Community Action Partnership of Lancaster & Saunders County Lincoln, NE | Program Operating Cost | $185,000 |
| Lincoln Community Foundation Lincoln, NE | Program Operating Cost - Impact Initiative | $182,500 |
| Hopespoke Lincoln, NE | Program Operating Cost | $135,280 |
| Food Bank of Lincoln Lincoln, NE | Donor Designated for General Support | $95,544 |
| Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska Lincoln, NE | Donor Designated for General Support | $91,634 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $11,273,018 | $7,120,337 | $6,974,533 | $4,451,146 | 101 | $339,120 |
| 2024 | $11,141,560 | $7,588,899 | $7,488,898 | $4,393,122 | 102 | $367,570 |
| 2023 | $9,640,741 | $7,938,251 | $7,898,282 | $5,316,177 | 160 | $229,247 |
| 2022 | $10,176,018 | $7,783,651 | $7,681,820 | $4,565,461 | 103 | $15,099 |
| 2021 | $9,093,320 | $7,930,280 | $7,883,995 | $4,855,871 | 125 | $10,976 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Its mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Lincoln and Lancaster County community.” The organization’s strategic pillars are health, education, and financial stability. Its impact framework also includes youth opportunity and community resiliency.
Priority investments described by the organization include maternal and child health, substance use prevention and recovery, early childhood education, youth behavioral health, learning opportunities, job training, financial education, food access, emergency shelter, housing assistance, and safety and recovery for victims of abuse.
Grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of organizations it supports. Cedars Youth Services says it helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships, with a priority on young people who have experienced or are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or homelessness. Hopes’Poke says it addresses the mental health needs of children and families through therapeutic partnerships and advocacy. The Food Bank of Lincoln says it meets emergency food needs by distributing food through nonprofit partner agencies. Lighthouse says it promotes adolescents’ well-being through a community-based after-school program.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, United Way reported 101 grants totaling $4,451,146. Grant amounts ranged from $5,178 to $494,360, with a median grant of $21,440.
Among the largest reported grants were $494,360 to Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) for its federation share of dollars raised; $354,850 to Cedars Youth Services for the Community Response Initiative; and a separate $255,600 to Cedars Youth Services for program operating costs. Other large grants included $222,210 to Lincoln Public Schools for community collaboration, $207,473 to Give Nebraska for donor-designated general support, and $185,000 to Community Action Partnership of Lancaster & Saunders County for program operating costs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists the following officers and directors: Jack Abel, Amy Argo, Adam Barrickman, Geoff Cline, Jennifer Cusick-Rawlinson, Renee Dozier, Kevin Faltin, and Paul Gausman as directors; Eric Moss as past president; and Phil Morgan as vice president.
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County is led by Meagan Liesveld, Executive Director on every filing since 2021; 2 of 35 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Meagan Liesveld
Executive Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$120K (2021) → $153K (2025)
Bryan Robertson
President
Treasurer → President Elect, 2024
President Elect → President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erin Hart
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Natalia Wiita
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ryan Nelson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sue Martin
Director
Director → Secretary, 2024
Secretary → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Schlegelmilch
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Rasmussen
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Geoff Cline
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Renee Dozier
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam Barrickman
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Ostermeyer
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bob Reynoldson
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Zeleny
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Argo
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Abel
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Cusick-Rawlinson
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jody Olsson
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Faltin
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Walz
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Gausman
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Riley Slezak
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emeka Anyanwu
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Lake
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Skretta
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Taylor Hunt
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William Sehi
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Aldrich-Knight
Chief Financial
Chief Financial Officer → Chief Financial, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$89K (2021) → $102K (2025)
April Rimpley
Immediate Past President
President Elect → President, 2024
President → Immediate Past President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brad Crain
Assistant Treasurer
Director → Assistant Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Moss
Past President
President → Immediate Past President, 2024
Immediate Past President → Past President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Phil Morgan
Vice President
Director → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Harder
Treasurer
Director → Assistant Treasurer, 2023
Assistant Treasurer → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Green
President Elect
Director → President Elect, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Malcom
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (31)
- Former: Brett Sundberg (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Brian Chaffin (2021–2024) — Past President
- Former: John Greving (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Mark Stueven (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Walter Powell (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Staci Haas (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Tj McDowell (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Bill Lester (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Nathan McKown (2024) — Director
- Former: Quintin Gaddis (2024) — Director
- Former: Bob Balfany (2021–2023) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Charlie Foster (2021–2023) — Vice President
- Former: Jay Rose (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Joy Citta (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Kevin Wailes (2021–2023) — Past President
- Former: Louis Sikich (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Mo Shakir (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Ava Thomas (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Bill Mueller (2021–2022) — Past President
- Former: Connie Duncan (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Jamie Deterding (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Kate Bolz (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Nancy Biggs (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Russ Sebek (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Alyssa Martin (2021) — Director
- Former: Brian Wachman (2021) — Former Executive Director
- Former: Doris Robertson (2021) — Director
- Former: John Conner (2021) — Director
- Former: Linda Robinson Rutz (2021) — Immediate Past President
- Former: Rhonda Lahm (2021) — Director
- Former: Tiffany Murray (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $153K, to Meagan Liesveld (Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County
How much does United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County give each year?
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County gave $4.5M across 101 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $4.4M across 102 grants.
What is United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's typical grant size?
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's median grant in 2025 was $21,440, and its average grant was $44,071, across 101 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County that year got $6K on average.
Where does United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County give grants?
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County gives mostly in Nebraska: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Lincoln, NE (97 grants) and Omaha, NE (2 grants).
Does United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County give general operating support?
Yes: 94% of United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (95 of 101) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Community Collaboration" (3 grants).
Who are United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's largest grantees?
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's largest 2025 grantees include Cedars Youth Services ($652,898 across 4 grants), Combined Health Agencies Drive (Chad) ($494,360) and Lincoln Public Schools ($257,210 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County?
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County reported $11.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $7.1M.
What does United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County fund?
Its mission is “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Lincoln and Lancaster County community.” The organization’s strategic pillars are health, education, and financial stability. Its impact framework also includes youth opportunity and community resiliency. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County?
The 2026–2028 funding cycle is closed. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's EIN?
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-0376624. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Live grants for the work United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County funds
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-lincoln-and-lancaster-county-morg_fc205478c8ac450cb00ac1263de95187
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_470376624_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-lincoln-and-lancaster-county-morg_fc205478c8ac450cb00ac1263de95187},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County down — hundreds of funders to go?